Program executable file extension list

Program executable files types are special file formats or text scripts, which computer operating system are able to directly execute. Executable files are non-readable, commonly in binary format and are created (compiled) from source code file and passed through compiler or assembler.

Operating systems designate executable files by file suffix (exe, com under the MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows family operating systems) or are noted alongside the file in its metadata (Linux or another Unix based operating systems are marking file as executable). Apple MAC OS X is using app file extension for application container or ipa for iPhone and iPod applications (extension is hidden by default). Most operating systems check executable format validation, to protect themself against dangerous bit sequences.

Executable files are not commonly compatible between operating systems and e.g. executable file, which is written for Microsoft Windows platform, will not work under Linux or MAC OS X.

A special type of executable files are script or batch files. A batch file is a plain text file that contains a sequence of commands for the computer operating system, or it is usually created for command sequences for which the user has a repeated need. Under MS-DOS or Windows batch files use bat or cmd file extension. Under Linux and Unix based operating systems these files are are called shell scripts. In IBM mainframe VM operating systems the batch file is called an EXEC.

Legal notice: You may not, under any circumstances, resell or reproduce any information for commercial use without the express prior written consent of File-Extensions.org. Scripts to automatically harvest results are strictly prohibited due to performance reasons and will result in your IP being banned from this website.